Assemblyman lashes out about condition of Trenton High auditorium

TRENTON — New Jersey Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, citing the recently discovered structural unsoundness of the Trenton Central High School’s student auditorium, asked the state’s Schools Development Authority, to immediately consider replacement or refurbishment of the facility.

Gusciora called the closure of the auditorium a “travesty” for students in the state’s capital district.

In a letter to SDA’s chief, Marc Larkins, Gusciora noted, “since the auditorium is closed for student use, there will be no student assemblies, no plays, no concerts for the immediate future.”

The Assemblyman also expressed disappointment that the SDA has only offered “pre-design services” and will “continue to identify” problems with the school. “The fact remains, the state has been obligated by the NJ courts to address school facilities in urban school districts,” Gusciora said. “Unfortunately, SDA has only shown indifference.”

David Sciarra of Education Law Center and lawyer for urban students in the landmark Abbott v. Burke case, said, “The SDA has squandered another summer when it should have made the repairs that pose a threat to the health and safety of students and teachers in Trenton Central High School. Through SDA’s neglect, students must endure another year of deplorable conditions in an unfit learning environment.”

The Assemblyman said he also would like for Gov. Christie to tour the high school himself. “I believe that after one 10-minute walkthrough by Governor Christie that high school will not remain open,” he concluded. “Our students in Trenton deserve better.” Gusciora said.

“Over the course of the last few months the District has attempted to address multiple required and capital maintenance projects at various schools district-wide. These projects include a range of school improvements and upgrades to both the school’s interior and exterior building systems and equipment; including two existing auditoriums.” Superintendent Francisco Duran said in a statement.